On Friday night there was a thunderstorm which left us without power for over 24 hours. It was a very localised problem so we were able to go round the corner for dinner and TV and another very kind friend popped by with some hot water so I could make tea. But it did feel strange to be in one of the most developed countries in the world and having to undress by candlelight.
Yesterday I went for a walk. I know, amazing isn't it? I went to Keswick village (obviously you pronounce the 'w') and pottered round the shops there. In the supermarket they had a small shelf devoted to British food: McVities's digestives and chocolate digestives, Twinings tea, Cadbury's chocolate (Flake, Crunchie and Curly Wurly), Lyle's Golden Syrup and, bizarrely, Batchelor's marrowfat peas and mushy peas. All at extortionate prices, but still. I also found what looked like a nice craft shop called 'Granny's Sewing Den' but it was closed on Saturdays. And a mini-roundabout. There were arrows painted on the road in case people couldn't work out which way to go.
I couldn't find the blind pedestrian despite numerous signs warning that he would be crossing...
http://www.thewholexperience.typepad.com/cultureshock/
27/08/06 @ 19:49